After undertaking a postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies, he worked as a solicitor in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, latterly as an associate with Ketchen and Stevens WS in Edinburgh, specialising in commercial law. Fraser lives with his wife and two children in Perthshire.

He became deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives in November 2005 when Annabel Goldie became leader. After the election, at which 15 Conservative MSP's were elected, Annabel Goldie triggered a leadership election by announcing that she would stand down in Autumn 2011.

Murdo is currently convenor of the Economy, Energy, and Tourism Committee.

In June 2014, Fraser spoke in favour of reconstituting the United Kingdom on a federal basis.[2]

After being re-elected again in 2011, he announced in August his decision to seek the leadership of the Scottish Conservative Party,[3] and launched his campaign on 4 September in Edinburgh. His launch plans included a commitment to further devolution to the Scottish Parliament from Westminster, as well as launching a new party to redefine the politics of Scotland, harnessing the support of the centre-right, but independent of the UK Conservative Party and with a new name and identity.[4] Fraser was unsuccessful in his attempt to be elected party leader, losing out to Ruth Davidson,[5] and following the election was succeeded as deputy leader by Jackson Carlaw.[6]